An anti-LGBTQ lawmaker, identified as Wesley Goodman, has resigned after being caught having sex with another man.
The lawmaker,representing the Republican Ohio state representative was elected in 2016, resigned earlier this week after it came to light that he’d engaged in “inappropriate behavior” of a sexual nature with another man sometime this year.
Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger confirmed the incident in a statement that read: “I met with him later in the day where he acknowledged and confirmed the allegations.
“It became clear that his resignation was the most important course of action for him, his family, the constituents of the 87th House District and this institution.”
Goodman seemed to also confirm the incident, saying in another statement that goes: “We all bring our own struggles and our own trials into public life. That has been true for me, and I sincerely regret that my actions and choices have kept me from serving my constituents and our state in a way that reflects the best ideals of public service. For those whom I have let down, I’m sorry.”
Goodman, who is married to a Bethany , presented himself as a conservative Christian who is openly against religious liberty. He strongly condemned homosexuality and endorsed “natural marriage” (i.e heterosexual marriage) as the only valid marital option.
On his Twiiter account, which he has now made private, he describes himself as “Christian. American. Conservative. Republican. Husband to @Beth1027.” On his website, which has now been taken down, he also shared his opposition to homosexuality.
A Washington Post story suggests this is not the first time Republican lawmakers have been made aware of Goodman’s private sexual behavior, and that not all of his behavior has been consensual in nature.
According to documents and correspondence obtained by the Post, Tony Perkins — of the conservative Christian Family Research Council — had privately urged Goodman to drop out of the Ohio state representative race following reports that he had fondled an 18-year-old at a campaign fundraiser, alongside other similar incidents.
Source: ( Linda Ikeji)